PONANT Expands Asia Luxury Expeditions for 2026–2028

For luxury travellers seeking immersive adventures without long-haul fatigue, PONANT EXPLORATIONS is bringing the world closer to home. The boutique French line has unveiled an expanded Asia programme for 2026–2028, with last-minute departures in Indonesia and East Timor plus newly released voyages across the Philippines, Borneo, Vietnam and an extensive suite of Japan itineraries. Intimate ships, expert-led expeditions and refined onboard comfort make these journeys ideal for curious, comfort-minded explorers.

Why this matters for luxury travellers
PONANT’s small-ship approach means curated access to remote islands, protected marine environments and culturally rich ports that larger ships can’t reach. Expect personalised excursions, expert lecturers in history and natural science, fleet-wide comfort, and the attentive service typical of ultra-luxury cruising—all while sailing shorter distances from Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Last-minute escapes in 2026 — Indonesia & East Timor
Limited availability remains on late-2026 departures, including:

• Island Treasures of Indonesia & East Timor (Darwin–Benoa, 9–23 Nov 2026) — AU$15,320, 15 days aboard Le Soléal.
• Wild Lands of Indonesia (Benoa–Benoa, 24 Nov–4 Dec 2026) — AU$10,940, 11 days aboard Le Soléal.
• Tropical Odyssey between Indonesia and North East Australia (Benoa–Cairns, 4–19 Dec 2026) — AU$14,500, 16 days aboard Le Soléal.
  These journeys combine snorkelling, Zodiac exploration, and encounters with island cultures—perfect for travellers wanting a last-minute bespoke escape.

New 2027–2028 voyages for deeper discovery
PONANT’s expanded calendar introduces several new options that invite multi-week exploration or short, focused expeditions:

• The Hidden Treasures of the Philippines and Borneo (from AU$12,380) — visits to pristine coastlines, coral reefs and local villages aboard Le Jacques Cartier or Le Soléal.
• Exploring the Malay Archipelago (from AU$14,440) — a Darwin–Manila route unlocking the Spice Islands, West Papua and Tangkoko Nature Reserve.
• Vietnamese Shores (from AU$16,150) — Singapore–Hong Kong sailings featuring Ha Long Bay and Vietnam’s coastal highlights.
  All itineraries emphasise slow travel, local expertise and opportunities for snorkelling, diving and cultural exchange.

Japan by sea — culture, history and coastal beauty

Japan remains a standout with multiple voyages that pair ancient traditions and contemporary life. Highlights include:

• Treasures of Japan & South Korea by Sea — Osaka to Busan, curated cultural ports.
• Japanese Ancestral Traditions & Legendary Shrines — Osaka to Tokyo, a deep cultural immersion.
• Japan Between Tradition & Modernity — routes featuring Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kanazawa and Sado Island.
  These voyages are ideal for luxury travellers who value expert-led shore programs, private cultural encounters, and premium onboard amenities.

The PONANT difference — intimate ships, expert-led enrichment
Sailing on compact, stylish ships such as Le Soléal and Le Jacques Cartier, guests benefit from spacious observation areas, refined dining, and a high guest-to-staff ratio. Onboard experts—anthropologists, naturalists, historians—bring destinations to life, ensuring each landing is rich in context and exclusive insight.

Practical planning and booking notes

• Pricing examples and dates are available on PONANT’s Australia site for each voyage.
• Last-minute 2026 departures have limited berths; early booking is advised for 2027–2028 sailings and Grand Voyage combinations.
• Many itineraries can be linked to form extended explorations across the Asia-Pacific.

Exceptional adventures, closer to home
PONANT’s expanded Asia programme delivers the kind of slow, immersive discovery luxury travellers crave—remote landscapes, meaningful cultural encounters, and boutique onboard comfort without the strain of extended long-haul flights. Whether you seek a last-minute Indonesian escape or a layered exploration of Japan’s coasts, these voyages promise expert-led, intimate experiences that linger long after disembarkation.

Discover full itineraries and book at PONANT Australia: https://au.ponant.com